Order in a multi-dimensional world

WE cannot deny that the world today is evolving very fast

and is creating a more complicated one, generating multi-dimensional

and multi-level aspects that are increasingly challenging our

capacities.

  

            I, for one, as a priest have to cope now with so many

multiplying things that require and sometimes overwhelm all my

faculties—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc. I now have to

contend with so many distractions and so much clutter and chaos

around. We are pressured to go into what is now called as

multi-tasking and into some kind of interdisciplinary approach to

things. It’s not anymore linear thinking.

   

            I, for example, get fascinated by the new things that are

appearing—new pieces of information, access to different journals,

newspapers, magazines, new apps and digital programs, etc. The world

seems to be widening and yet is also getting closer. It is so inviting

and tempting, and yet if we are not properly equipped, we can really

get lost.

  

            The question of how to live order in this kind of world

now comes to the fore. I have asked some of my friends their views

about this issue, and they have responded with helpful ideas. I’m

thankful to them. Some have given me common-sensical tips. Others have

provided some scientific studies.

  

            What comes to my mind now is that, first of all, I should

be calm and react to this phenomenon with serenity. Otherwise, I

cannot think properly and I would become easy prey to stray impulses.

  

            This effort is sometimes not easy to do since one can get

over-excited over something. And with that, the sense of perspective

and objectivity goes haywire. It’s important that one gets a good grip

on his feelings and passions.

              Thus, Christ’s words that we should practice some kind of

self-denial and detachment are always relevant. There’s need indeed

for self-discipline and focus on what is truly necessary in life, with

a clear idea of the proper priorities.

             And in that regard, I would say that we should really

begin and end with God. In fact, God should always be with us every

step of the way. Otherwise, we get lost and can become the object of

Christ’s reproach: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole

world but loses his own soul?”

              I guess there’s no other way but to cultivate a deep and

strong contemplative life while getting increasingly immersed in this

multi-dimensional world. We should never lose our capacity to be

recollected and to see God and his will in all the things that come

our way.

   

            This will require continually rectifying our intentions,

seeing to it that everything is done out of love for God and for

others, and not just pursuing our own self-interest. We have to learn

to discern what God’s will is behind the things that come our way. Let

us remember that God always has designs in every event of our life.

He’s always present, ever intervening in our lives.

   

            This will also require practicing a kind of restraint and

moderation, never letting ourselves to be overly excited and too

engaged in things that can undermine our union with God. We have to

really know how to deal with this constant threat.

  

            We need to regularly pause and check how we are doing to

see if we are still on the right track. And with promptness, without

mercy, let’s correct ourselves when we notice we are getting astray.